'Scarecrow Bandit' suspect arrested

August 28, 2009

The FBI said today that it has arrested and charged a man who they believe is the "Scarecrow Bandit."

Joseph G. Dolgach, 51, of the 0-99 block of Westminster Court in Lake in the Hills, was arrested Wednesday afternoon without incident after he allegedly robbed an Amcore Bank branch in the northwest suburb, according to an FBI news release. He is being charged with felony armed bank robbery.

According to police, Dolgach entered the South Elgin bank at 536 Randall Road at about 1:45 p.m. He was carrying a wooden stick that he allegedly used to intimidate victims, similar to two bank robberies that occurred in Hanover Park and Hoffman Estates last month.

In the previous robberies, the suspect had been given the nickname "Scarecrow Bandit" due to the flannel shirt and floppy hat he wore during thefts. The suspect also carried a wooden stick silmilar to the one Dolgach used.

On Wednesday, witnesses said Dolgach wore a white button-down shirt. He allegedly announced the robbery and then stole $2,000 in cash, the release said.

He then allegedly took a bank employee's car keys, which he planned to use for his escape. However, he was unable to find the vehicle and fled the area on foot.

A short time later a South Elgin Police Officer saw a man matching the description of the robber and apprehended him. The man was later identified as Dulgach.

Judge Maria Valdez ordered him held without bond on Thursday. His next court date will be Sept. 1. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.